Focus on Calumet
A bi-weekly update on economic development opportunities in Calumet County
and the region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Monday, January 31, 2022
Ariens Breaks Ground on World-Class Nordic Center
WBAY, January 25, 2022
Ariens Company has broken ground on a world-class facility that will house the largest biathlon range in Wisconsin.

Ariens Nordic Center will be located near Round Lake Farms on the outskirts of Brillion, according to the company. The company has set an opening date for December of 2022. The facility will house a year-round trail network for cross-country skiing, biathlon, roller-skiing, running and hiking.
Ariens’ efforts to enhance the Brillion region offer an example of what a motivated company can accomplish!  

Calumet County
Community Economic Development continues to provide support to local businesses of all sizes – that’s a big part of the reason the program exists. This summary highlights some of the more significant efforts and programs we spearheaded last year.


Business retention and expansion support for our larger primary employers is a key activity. In 2021, this included support for workforce recruitment and retention, with a special focus on connection with youth through Inspire Calumet. An effort to address child care gaps was also initiated. Support for navigating COVID-19 vaccinations and test access was also a priority. 
On the entrepreneurship side, the Small Business Development Center at UW-Green Bay provides no cost business counseling services in a 12-county northeast Wisconsin region which includes Calumet County. The SBDC offers the Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP), which assists upcoming entrepreneurs and current business owners in developing a feasible, strategic plan for a thriving, profitable business. The SBDC offers onsite professional development training that is customized specifically for the goals and strategic direction of the company. In 2021, 27 Calumet County business clients were served with 123 consulting hours. There were four business start-ups as a result of SBDC efforts, and $314,500 in capital formation. These efforts succeeded in creating or retaining 54 local jobs.
Finally, there was considerable support for small retail and commercial businesses through the CDBG-CV microbusiness program which made $12,000 grants available to low-to-moderate income business owners and reached 60 businesses. Through the county’s efforts, 13 local bars and restaurants received over $1.5 million in Small Business Administration Restaurant Recovery Fund grants, ranging from $4,000 up to $420,000; 14 county businesses received $10,000 Main Street Bounceback Grants, and ongoing technical assistance was provided to businesses for various state-funded grant program including the Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business grant, We’re All In Grants, and Tourism grants as well as the county’s Disaster Response Recovery Microloan program.
COVID-19 Testing Update
While cases of COVID-19 seem to be subsiding in Calumet County, and homes have started to receive the free rapid tests ordered through the US Postal Service, there still seems to be employer interest in obtaining supplies of rapid tests. To address needs for tests, the links below may be helpful. 


Calumet County’s website also includes the following links as reminders about COVID-19 protocols and vaccination options.
Local Business Updates
Nick Ariens to Lead New Americas Region for Ariens Company
Brillion News, January 27, 2022
Nick Ariens has been promoted to executive vice president of the newly created Americas Region of Ariens Company, the company announced last week. The company said in a press release that global expansion efforts at Ariens Company have led to the creation of the region and new leadership role.

“We have experienced tremendous growth over the past several years,” President and Chief Operations Officer Larry Weyers said. “Nick has led several areas within the Ariens Company over the past 12 years and is uniquely positioned to take on this challenge.”

As the EVP of the Americas Region, Ariens will be responsible for all facets of business in the region including sales and marketing, product engineering, operations, supply chain, RapidCare, human resources and finance. The role will mirror the EVP of the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA) Region created last September.

Ariens has held various leaderships positions within Ariens Company including in product management, sales and marketing, and supply chain and logistics. Most recently Ariens led the RapidCare Team as vice president. Prior to joining the company, he spent several years with General Mills in their commodity purchasing group. Ariens has a B.S. in Business Management from Babson College and an MBA from the Copenhagen Business School.
Firehouse Subs Slated for March Opening in Appleton
Appleton Post Crescent, January 21, 2022
A popular sandwich chain will make its Fox Cities debut this March. Firehouse Subs is slated to open at 3845 E. Calumet St. on March 7, a guest services representative told The Post-Crescent earlier this week. The restaurant is sandwiched between Kay Jewelers and a Spectrum store, just east of State 441.

The Calumet Street location first appeared on Firehouse Subs’ website last summer and has been listed as “coming soon” ever since.
Local Community Updates
Several Rural Calumet County Communities are Working on Local Housing Projects
  • The City of Chilton has contracted with Hofkens Construction to build 24 new single family homes in the Dairyland Estates Sub-division over the next three years, while SC Swiderski will construct six single family homes and 102 units of multi-family by the end of 2023. 
  • The City of New Holstein recently hosted a Developers Tour with assistance from their redevelopment consultant, Stantec. Three developers toured the former Tecumseh site to discuss the prospects of developing housing at that location. The Community Development Authority is advising the city to explore a relationship with one of the housing developers, a nationally renowned development company which has completed a number of complex Wisconsin projects.
  • Brillion Works, LLC is exploring the feasibility of constructing housing on the former Brillion Iron Works site.
  • The Village of Hilbert has closed on the sale of a former low-income housing project, and is working with a real estate developer to explore the construction of additional housing units in the village.
Grant Opportunity
Main Street Bounceback Grants
The Main Street Bounceback Grant program provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses and non-profit organizations moving into vacant properties in Wisconsin’s downtowns and commercial corridors. Funds can be used to pay leases or mortgages, operational expenses and other business costs related to the newly opened location. The reimbursement grant program is open to new or existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space as of January 1, 2021. Contact the grant program coordinator at East Central WI Regional Planning Commission for information.
Calumet County Business Assistance
Business Start-Up and Expansion Assistance
Ray York of the Small Business Development Center serves Calumet County with business assistance to existing and start-up businesses throughout the county. Small Business Development Center services are available at no cost to businesses. Ray’s goal is to provide opportunity to clients by guiding them to make informed decisions to start, expand, or transition their business. He can be reached by phone at 920-946-9379 or york@sheboygancountyedc.org.
FREE Legal Assistance
The Wisconsin Bar’s small business assistance program, which offers free legal advice to small businesses, is fully operational this month and the number of available appointments has been expanded. Business can request an appointment at a time that works for them using the online scheduling system. Appointments are held virtually so small businesses from anywhere in Wisconsin can connect with an experienced business law attorney for assistance.

For more information, please see Small business assistance which outlines the program. This service is offered by the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin in partnership with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic.
Upcoming Events
2022 Governor’s Conference on
Economic Development
February 9-11, 2022

Monona Terrace |  Madison, WI

Theme:  Tackling Today’s Economic Challenges
The Governor’s Conference on Economic Development is WEDA’s biggest education and networking event of the year. We’re excited to announce that the 2022 conference, which is returning as in-person event, will feature industry thought leaders and practitioners who will tackle workforce and economic development challenges facing our businesses and communities. The packed agenda has something for everyone as we focus on talent attraction, strengthening our communities, and advancing economic growth in rural and urban Wisconsin.  We look forward to having you join us!
March 15 set as deadline for Women of Influence Awards 
Nominations are open until March 15 for Insight Publications’ third-annual Women of Influence in the New North Region awards, which will be presented Tuesday, Aug. 2 in Green Bay. Women leaders of all ages who live or work in the New North from all industries are eligible to be nominated for the honor. Nominators are encouraged to re-submit past nominations.

Awards nominations will be grouped into the following categories: Business Owner, Corporate Leader, Young Influencer, Mentor, Difference Maker — Nonprofit and Difference Maker — Community.

Nominations may be submitted online at www.insightonbusiness.com/women .
E-Seed Express: Entrepreneurship Training
Thinking of starting a business? Need help? E-seed™ Express assists start-up, early-stage entrepreneurs and experienced small business owners in developing management and planning tools for their businesses. Participants develop a business plan through completion of weekly activities and business planning templates. Experts from the small business and entrepreneurial community provide insight into legal, management, marketing, technology, accounting and financing aspects of operating a successful small business. Cost: $299, materials provided.
February 7-April 11, 2022
5:30-8:30 pm
February 8-April 12, 2022
5:30-8:30 pm
Virtual
Explore Starting a Business

February 9, 2022
March 9, 2022
Work for Yourself at 50+
 
February 15, 2022
March 10, 2022
1 Million Cups Appleton

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